Research shows how common plastics could passively cool and heat buildings

Researchers from Princeton and UCLA have developed a passive mechanism using common plastics to cool buildings in summer and warm them in winter. By manipulating radiant heat flows with coatings made from everyday materials, they achieved energy savings and improved thermal comfort beyond traditional building methods. The study, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, highlights the importance of controlling heat exchange with the environment to address global temperature challenges. The researchers found that materials like polyvinyl fluoride and polypropylene, commonly used in construction and household plastics, can selectively radiate or absorb heat in specific wavelengths, offering a sustainable solution for regulating building temperatures. This innovative approach could lead to significant energy savings comparable to painting roofs white, especially in regions with increasing cooling demands and heat-related issues. The researchers plan to further explore the scalability and potential impact of their findings on building energy efficiency.